Sparta Old City Reservoir Dam Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 21, 2025
Located in Steelville, Illinois, the Sparta Old City Reservoir Dam stands as a testament to early 20th-century engineering, having been completed in 1917.
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Summary
Designed by William K. McBown, this earth dam with a buttress core serves as a critical water supply structure for the local community. With a height of 21 feet and a length of 650 feet, the dam has a storage capacity of 289 acre-feet, providing essential water resources for the region.
Managed by the local government, the Sparta Old City Reservoir Dam is regulated by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources, ensuring its safe operation and compliance with state regulations. With a spillway width of 101 feet and uncontrolled spillway and outlet gates, the dam poses a significant hazard potential, prompting a moderate risk assessment. Despite its age, the dam continues to play a crucial role in water supply management, highlighting the importance of maintaining and monitoring aging infrastructure in the face of changing climate conditions.
As climate change impacts water resources, the Sparta Old City Reservoir Dam serves as a reminder of the vital role of infrastructure in ensuring water security for communities. With a rich history and continued relevance in modern times, this historic structure stands as a symbol of resilience and adaptation in the face of evolving environmental challenges. Enthusiasts of water resource management and climate resilience can appreciate the significance of the Sparta Old City Reservoir Dam in safeguarding essential water supplies for generations to come.
Year Completed |
1917 |
Dam Length |
650 |
Dam Height |
21 |
River Or Stream |
TRIB MAXWELL CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Nid Storage |
289 |
Outlet Gates |
Uncontrolled |
Hazard Potential |
Significant |
Foundations |
Unlisted/Unknown |
Nid Height |
21 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Mississippi River At Chester
|
83100cfs |
Kaskaskia River At New Athens
|
431cfs |
Richland Creek Near Hecker
|
15cfs |
Silver Creek Near Freeburg
|
54cfs |
Kaskaskia River Near Venedy Station
|
219cfs |
Little Crooked Creek Near New Minden
|
2cfs |
Dam Data Reference
Condition Assessment
SatisfactoryNo existing or potential dam safety deficiencies are recognized. Acceptable performance is expected under all loading conditions (static, hydrologic, seismic) in accordance with the minimum applicable state or federal regulatory criteria or tolerable risk guidelines.
Fair
No existing dam safety deficiencies are recognized for normal operating conditions. Rare or extreme hydrologic and/or seismic events may result in a dam safety deficiency. Risk may be in the range to take further action. Note: Rare or extreme event is defined by the regulatory agency based on their minimum
Poor A dam safety deficiency is recognized for normal operating conditions which may realistically occur. Remedial action is necessary. POOR may also be used when uncertainties exist as to critical analysis parameters which identify a potential dam safety deficiency. Investigations and studies are necessary.
Unsatisfactory
A dam safety deficiency is recognized that requires immediate or emergency remedial action for problem resolution.
Not Rated
The dam has not been inspected, is not under state or federal jurisdiction, or has been inspected but, for whatever reason, has not been rated.
Not Available
Dams for which the condition assessment is restricted to approved government users.
Hazard Potential Classification
HighDams assigned the high hazard potential classification are those where failure or mis-operation will probably cause loss of human life.
Significant
Dams assigned the significant hazard potential classification are those dams where failure or mis-operation results in no probable loss of human life but can cause economic loss, environment damage, disruption of lifeline facilities, or impact other concerns. Significant hazard potential classification dams are often located in predominantly rural or agricultural areas but could be in areas with population and significant infrastructure.
Low
Dams assigned the low hazard potential classification are those where failure or mis-operation results in no probable loss of human life and low economic and/or environmental losses. Losses are principally limited to the owner's property.
Undetermined
Dams for which a downstream hazard potential has not been designated or is not provided.
Not Available
Dams for which the downstream hazard potential is restricted to approved government users.
Sparta Old City Reservoir Dam